Seahawks QB shuffle continues as Sam Howell could be next to exit

Seahawks GM John Schneider is open to trading Sam Howell, not wanting him stuck as the team’s third QB when he could be a clear No. 2 elsewhere.

Seahawks QB shuffle continues as Sam Howell could be next to exit

Seahawks open to trading Sam Howell (Image via IMAGO)

After re-signing Drew Lock, the Seattle Seahawks ended up with four quarterbacks on their roster: Sam Darnold, Sam Howell, and Jaren Hall. It created a surplus of needs in one position, and they are looking to reduce the player count. As a result, the Seahawks are open to trading Howell to another NFL team as per ESPN.

Howell was a fifth-round draft pick for the Washington Commanders in 2022. During his second year, he led the league in completions with 612 for 3946 yards and 26 total touchdowns. At the same time, Howell also threw a league-high 21 interceptions and was sacked 65 times, losing the ball on 2 occasions.

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The Commanders finished 4-13 and subsequently traded Howell and a couple of picks to the Seahawks for the second overall pick in the 2024 draft. They selected Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who led the team to their first NFC Championship game since the early 1990s.

Howell agreed to the trade because the Seahawks was a franchise he was familiar with. He and former Seahawks quarterback coach Dave Canales struck a chord during the 2022 NFL Combine.

We had a really good relationship… I thought this was a team I might come to do, but I didn’t. But I’m here now, and I’m excited to be here and excited to be a Seahawk.

Sam Howell said after the Commanders traded him to the Seahawks. (H/T: official Seattle Seahawks transcript)

Canales was no longer in Seattle. He managed the Carolina Panthers. Howell learned under Ryan Grubb. He sat behind Geno Smith and made only one appearance the entire campaign.

Howell replaced Smith after the veteran injured himself during the Green Bay Packers game in December. He completed just 5 passes from 14 for 24 yards and a pick. It wasn’t the ideal debut he was hoping for.

Seahawks general manager defended Sam Howell

John Schneider was the one to make the Sam Howell trade happen. Schneider has been around Seattle since 2010 but took over as the general manager in 2024, and one of the first moves he made was bringing in the ex-UNC man.

Seahawks QB shuffle continues as Sam Howell could be next to exit
Sam Howell (Image via IMAGO)

Schneider appeared on the Seattle Sports 710-AM radio show to discuss Howell’s first year with the Seahawks. He didn’t blame the youngster for his horrible debut.

[Sam Howell] comes in, learns a whole new system that was heavy, heavy drop back [system], and gets thrown into a game where we’re behind [and] we’re throwing the ball [at] every play [and] backed up [against the wall]. It didn’t go well for him.

John Schneider said (H/T: ESPN)

Lock is most likely to take over the backup quarterback role behind Sam Darnold. Schneider doesn’t want Howell to waste his time as the third choice. It’s better to join another team where he can be the true No. 2.

Could the Seahawks draft a quarterback?

Schneider didn’t mention anything about drafting a quarterback. That doesn’t mean the Seahawks won’t go for one. There are always great values to have in the later rounds.

One of the names that has come up in recent days is Louisville’s 25-year-old QB Tyler Shough. Shough visited the Seahawks’ facility last week, and his draft stock has risen since. Even though he is listed as a fifth-round pick, most scouts and draft specialists believe he could be a steal.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero recently revealed that some teams even consider Shough a first-round pick.

Regardless of what happens in the draft, Sam Howell’s time in Seattle is likely running out quickly. The Minnesota Vikings only have JJ McCarthy on their roster. Howell could easily become a cheap backup option.

Related: 3 reasons why the 2025 NFL season will be ‘make or break’ for Joe Burrow